An Interactive Industry Leadership Report from
CATEGORY
CHAMPIONS
2025
Chocolate
Non-Alcoholic Packaged Beverages
Ready-to-Drink (RTD)
Nicotine Pouches
Fresh & Deli
Frozen Foods
Pizza
Cigarettes
Gum & Mints
Specialty Foods
Yogurt
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHECK BACK FOR MORE CATEGORIES ADDED MONTHLY
PROTEIN SNACKS Captain: Jack Link's Canada
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
CANDY & NOVELTIES Captain: Regal Confections
BEER Captain: MolsonCoors
READY-TO-DRINK Captain: MolsonCoors
BEER & HARD BEVERAGES Champion: Anheuser-Busch
COLD BEVERAGES Captain: Coca-Cola Canada
CHOCOLATE Champion: Hersheys
CIGARETTES Champion: Premier
NICOTINE POUCHES Champion: Swedish Match
NON-ALCOHOLIC PACKAGED BEVERAGES Champion: Campbell's
Roller Grill
ROLLER GRILL Champion: Johnsonville
PIZZA Champion: Hunt Brothers
GUM & MINTS Champion: Mars Wrigley
Established Items
PROTEIN SNACKS
2024 CATEGORY CAPTAINS
KEY CATEGORY INFORMATION
CATEGORY DATA
Source: 4 SimplyProtein/Maru Public Opinion online panel survey, February 8, 2023; 5 Convenience News article, Shifting Consumer Behaviour, May 2024
CATEGORY CAPTAIN
Meat Snacks encompass more than just Beef Jerky. There are many varieties of protein snacks available in the market today that offer choice in protein type, flavour, and format (jerky; meat sticks; tender bites; steaks; and more).
Although consumers face mounting expenses, they prioritize categories offering potential long-term health benefits.
Protein is considered the most important nutrient, and most Canadians think of meat as the main source of protein.
Canadians are turning to snacks with protein in their quest for healthier food options.4
Canadians are turning to snacks with protein in their quest for healthier food options.
Bread
Canned Tomatoes
Coffee
Coffee Creamers
Dry Packaged Dinners
Frozen Food
Peanut Butter
Personal Care
Plant-Based
When considering snacks at the store, most consumers cite protein as the most important nutritional attribute they seek.5
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NON-ALCOHOLIC PACKAGED BEVERAGE
CATEGORY CHAMPIONS 2025
CATEGORY CHAMPION
The 2025 U.S. non-alcoholic beverages (NABs) category reveals a dynamic and evolving market shaped by consumer demand for hydration, energy, and functional benefits. While hydration remains the top priority (50%), energy (39%), meal pairing (37%), and relaxation (36%) also rank highly among consumer expectations. Gen X leads in beverage engagement, with 90% purchasing three or more types, driven by established habits and financial stability. In contrast, Gen Z and Millennials show less loyalty to traditional beverages like coffee and milk, favoring functional and niche options that offer innovation and convenience.1
Source: 1. Mintel Beverage overview, April 2025
1
2
3
4
NON-ALCOHOLIC
Despite the rise of functional claims, flavor (60%) and affordability (40%) remain the primary purchase drivers, with nearly half of consumers feeling overwhelmed by excessive product claims. Simplicity and credibility are increasingly valued, as only 16% of carbonated soft drink consumers perceive functional sodas as healthy. Younger consumers are open to multifunctional beverages but demand clear, proven benefits. Traditional NABs like coffee, bottled water, and dairy milk continue strong household penetration, yet over half of consumers also purchase sports and energy drinks, indicating a split between classic and functional preferences.1
Product launches with health claims—such as vitamin fortification (+55%) and sugar-free options (+52%)—have surged, enhancing the appeal of NABs across occasions. However, fewer than 40% of consumers compare prices or calorie counts, suggesting strong brand loyalty and a focus on taste and convenience over nutritional metrics.1
US: REASONS TO CONSUME MORE JUICE AND JUICE DRINKS, 2025
Source: Mintel, May 2025 Base: 244 internet users aged 18+ who are consuming more juice or juice drinks compared to a year ago *223 internet users aged 22+ who are drinking more juice than a year ago
US: ATTITUDES TOWARD NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, 2025
Source: Mintel, April 2025 Base: 2,000 internet users aged 18+
US: TYPES OF NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES PURCHASED, 2025
80
20
40
60
Bottled still water
Dairy milk
Juice/ juice drinks
Carbonated soft drinks
DOLLAR SALES SHARE OF PACKAGED BEVERAGES IN CONVENIENCE 2024
Source: NACS: Convenience Store News, June 2025
0%
Energy drinks/alternative drinks
Enhanced water
Juice/juice drinks
Other packaged beverages
RTD coffee
RTD iced tea
Sports drinks
Bottled water
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
32.8%
27.2%
11.2%
6.8%
6.5%
3.9%
2.8%
1.6%
Dollar sales share
% of consumers
Tea
Energy drinks
Sparkling water
Plant- based drinks
Fermented drinks
59
58
56
50
39
33
28
15
I prefer beverages with few ingredients
I prefer beverages that combine multiple benefits
Beverage labels clearly explain drink benefits
I prefer beverages that don't make too many health of functional claims
I'm drawn to beverages that offer unique or innovative ingredients
60%
80%
100%
68%
57%
53%
28%
31%
26%
24%
8%
12%
21%
Any agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Any disagree
Enjoying as a treat
Extra micronutrients (eg, vitamin C)
Using in cocktails
Using in mocktails
Offered at workplace
Buying more for household
Drinking in place of soda
Drinking with breakfast
Drinking on the go
46%
42%
39%
32%
19%
18%
Other, please specify
4%
CHOCOLATE
Source: 1. Circana: 52wks ending 12/29/2024; 2. Circana: YTD Ending 9/7/2025
*
paid designation
Beer & Hard Beverages
Source: Convenience Store News Canada - C-StoreIQ 2024
Sources: Convenience Store News Canada - C-StoreIQ 2024; NeilsonIQ, week ending May 18, 2024.
DOLLAR % CHANGE VS. YA 2025 vs. 2024
THE CHOCOLATE CATEGORY: TOTAL US – MULTI-OUTLET+
Source: Circana: L52W period ending 12/29/2024
CMG
CMG 9.0%
Confection continues to be a top choice for consumers as the category has continued to see strong growth, experiencing a 9.0% CAGR in Mulo+ and growing nearly 3x the rate of total box in convenience.1
Though trips were challenged to begin the year across C-Store, candy in the channel has been extremely resilient, posting a 1.6% growth rate in Q2 followed by a 4.3% increase in Q3.2 The bounce back has been driven by a resurgence in refreshments along with a shift back to Chocolate; all posting gains north of 7.0% in Q3 across the channel.2
Shoppers continue to seek value in their decisions. Within Chocolate; King Size and Standard Bars continue to show gains while Take Home bags have struggled in the channel. Within Sweets; Peg continues to resonate with shoppers with a better value proposition while Sweets King Size and Sweets Standard/Novelty continue to be challenged. Though King Size remains the predominant packtype in convenience, off shelf merchandising of Chocolate Standard Bars and Sweets peg are driving the highest lifts in the channel. Continued refinement on core assortments following years of supply challenges will also be critical to delivering value back to consumers.
Meat Snacks Continue to Attract New Shoppers
Meat Snacks attracted +200,000 additional Canadian households to purchase the category in 2023.
Shoppers are spending more and putting Meat Snacks in their basket more often.
More Buyers
More $ Per Buyer
More Trips Per Buyer
3.4 Million Households
+200,000
Source: Nielsen Homescan. Market Summary. 52 weeks to Feb. 2024. Total Outlets. Total Meat Snacks
Meat Snack Segments – Jerky is a Critical Lever in the Category
Jerky & Nuggets
With >50% of category sales volume, growth of Jerky + Nuggets formats is critical to success of the category.
Jerky is the anchor of the Meat Snacks section. Retailers must win with Jerky, while leveraging growth and breadth of consumer reach that the additional protein formats and flavours provide.
90%
7%
Meat Sticks
Meat & Cheese Combos
Steaks & Bars
Source: Nielsen MarketTrack. National C&G. 52 weeks to Feb. 2024. Total Meat Snacks
Candy & Novelties
Tobacco
Protein Snacks
Ready to Drink (RTD)
BEER & HARD BEVERAGES
Source: 1 – Circana L52 Wks Ending 10-27-24; Total US Convenience Beer and Hard Beverage $ Sales 2 – Circana L52 Wks Ending 10-27-24; Total US Convenience Beer and Hard Beverages vs. Total Store by Aisle 3 – Numerator L52 Wks Ending 10-20-24; Purchase Frequency (Trips) in C-Store as a % of All Channels 4 – Circana L52 Wks Ending 10-27-24; Total US Convenience & MULC Beer and Hard Beverage $ Sales 5 – Circana Total US Convenience Beer and Hard Beverage $ Sales 2019 – 2023 6 – Circana Total US Convenience Total Store and Beer and Hard Beverage Unit Sales 2019 – 2023 7 – Numerator Latest 52wks ending 8-25-2024; Spend Per Trip Beer vs. Total Store in Convenience and Gas 8 – Circana Total US Convenience Total Store and Beer and Hard Beverage Price Per Unit 2019 – 2023 9 – Circana Total US MULC Beer and Hard Beverage Category Share Change 2020 – 2024 10 – Circana Total US C-Store Beer and Hard Beverage Category $ Sales Annually and Forecast 2024/2025
TOTAL STORE
EDIBLE
CAGR
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
TOTAL STORE 5.0%
EDIBLE 5.1%
$1,000B
$500B
$100B
$200B
$300B
$400B
$600B
$800B
$900B
$700B
THE CHOCOLATE CATEGORY: TOTAL US – CONV
CMG 8.5%
TOTAL STORE 3.1%
EDIBLE 5.15%
$50B
$150B
Source: Circana: YTD Ending 9/7/2025
Q1
Q2
Q3
13 Weeks Ending 3/30/25
13 Weeks Ending 6/29/25
Building 13 Weeks Ending 9/7/25
-3.0%
-3.5%
-1.7%
-2.9%
4.1%
-2.1%
3.8%
5.8%
4.3%
7.8%
-0.8%
7.2%
8.0%
SWEETS
GUM
BREATH FRESHENER
TOTAL CMG
5
PERCENTAGE OF SALES (AND % DOLLAR CHANGE VS. YA)
Source: Source: Circana C-Store 13wk Ending 9/7/25
CHOCOLATE STD LOOSE
CHOCOLATE KING SIZE
SWEETS CDY PKG
GUM IC
SWEETS IC NOVELTY
+4.2%
25.3%
UNIT % LIFT FROM DISPLAY BY PACKTYPE TOTAL US CONV; L52W 7/6/25
Source: Circana C-Store 13wk Ending 9/7/25
SWTS CDY PKG
STANDARD
KING SIZE
SUPER KING
REFRESHMENT
92%
50%
49%
43%
SWEETS KING SIZE
SWEETS STD LOOSE
MINTS IC
OTHER
24.5%
13.8%
4.4%
3.4%
3.3%
+0.8%
+4.4%
+1.7%
-6.7%
-8.6%
+9.8%
THE BEER & HARD BEVERAGE CATEGORY IS RESILIENT WITH A HEALTHY OUTLOOK
THE BEER & HARD BEVERAGE CATEGORY IS BIG, THE #1 EDIBLE CATEGORY
Source: Circana L52 Wks. Ending 10-27-24, Total US Convenience Beer and Hard Beverages vs. Total Store by Aisle
Source: Circana Total US C-Store Beer and Hard Beverage Category $ Sales Annually and Forecast 2024/2025
Beer & Hard Beverages Sports/Energy Drinks Snacks Carbonated Soft Drinks Candy Water Coffee & Tea Bakery Juices Refrigerated Meals Cookies & Crackers Frozen Desserts
the beer & hard beverage category Is driving trips & units while bundling baskets and providing value
$26.6 B
2019
+16%
+1%
+2%
+6%
DRIVE TRIPS
DRIVE UNITS
BUILD BASKETS
PROVIDE VALUE
2/3rds
+5%
6pp Less
Beer & HB Trips are in C-Store
Unit Growth 8pp Better Than Total Store L5YR
Higher Basket Spend With Beer & Hard Bevs.
Per Unit Price Taken on Beer & HB vs. Total Store L5YR
Cold Beverages (NARTD)
CATEGORY CAPTAINS
The Beer and Hard Beverage category is BIG, generating over $261 billion in sales in the C-Store channel, making it the #12 edible category in the channel. In fact, two-thirds3 of all Beer and Hard Beverage trips occur in C-Stores, contributing 55%4 of the category’s off-premise sales.
The Beer and Hard Beverage category is RESILIENT, having delivered strong results over the past five years, with a +5% CAGR5 and $5.7 billion5 in absolute growth. But Beer and Hard Beverages aren’t just driving strong dollar growth; they are also supporting healthy unit trends (+9%, outpacing Total Store by 12 points)6 and larger baskets (43% larger than baskets without Beer and Hard Beverages)7. Additionally, the category has achieved these strong results while delivering value to shoppers, with price increases 6pts8 lower than the total store average.
The Beer and Hard Beverage Category is experiencing BALANCED GROWTH. It has seen volatility, including the rapid rise, fall, and stabilization of malt seltzers, the emergence of spirit-based Cocktails and Seltzers, the rise of Premiumization within Lagers, and the return to growth for Value Lagers. However, more recently, the category has stabilized, with an average segment share change of just 0.29 compared to a 1.6-point9 share change in 2020.
The Beer and Hard Beverage Category has a HEALTHY OUTLOOK, with Circana forecasting another strong year of growth, where C-Store will continue to outpace the industry!10
TOBACCO
Value Category Dollars Are on the Rise
PRICING AND VALUE MATTERS
Source: CSN 2024 Data Forecast Study: Tobacco
Source: CSN 2024 Industry Report – Deep Dive Tobacco
CONSUMERS KEEP PURCHASING
Despite high inflation, the tobacco industry is holding strong with growing sales of affordable cigarette brands. In 2023, economy/value cigarettes saw a 19.7% increase in average dollars per store, as consumers gravitated toward lower-priced options.1 By Q1 of 2024, 43% of smokers had switched to fourth-tier brands, increasing from 41% in the the fourth quarter of 2023, and from just 18% in the third quarter of 2023.2
Convenience stores remain the top channel for cigarette sales, far outpacing other retailers. In fact, around 90% of cigarette sales occur in the c-store channel3 and c-stores significantly outperform multi-outlet – tobacco sales are over $84B in the multi outlet with convenience stores channel.4
With 29% of focus on pricing and cost, the tobacco industry is navigating the combined challenges of price increases (18%) and inflation's impact (6%), which directly affect consumer affordability (5%).5
To keep up with demand, retailers are giving more shelf space to discount cigarettes and expect more smokers to trade down to deep discount brands.6 While most stores are sticking to their current SKU and display setups, larger operators are more likely than smaller ones to cut back, reflecting different strategies to adapt to changing trends.7
Research also shows just over 50%+ of tobacco buyers are poly-users, presenting opportunities for diverse product promotion.8
2024 vs 2025: Cigarettes
among total retailers selling the category
Don’t sell category: 5% of total surveyed retailers
Source: 2025 CSN Forecast Study. Base: total retailers selling category, n=62
C-Stores Outperform Multi-Outlet In Tobacco Sales
Total US – Multi Outlet Total US – Food Total US – Convenience
Total Tobacco | Dollar Sales % Change vs. YA
Tobacco sales are over $84B in the multi outlet with convenience stores channel While sales are declining, c-store outperforms other channels.
Source: Circana, The 2024 Tobacco Landscape
Where Inflation-Weary Consumers Are Seeking Value
To oral alternatives Polyusage Quitting To single packs To nicotine alternatives To fourth tier To nicotine pouches To-ecigarettes
3Q23 survey
4Q23 survey
1Q24 survey
What are you seeing in terms of downtrading or cross-category movement? Where are smokers going?
Source: Goldman Sachs Investment Research
3%
13%
41%
22%
Tobacco sales are over $84B in MULO+ c-store channel While sales are declining, c-store outperforms other channels.
1 2024 CSN – Industry Report – Deep Dive Tobacco; 2 Goldman Sachs Investment Research; 3 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), Data compiled by Goldman Sachs Global Investment; Research; 4 Circana, The 2024 Tobacco Landscape; 5 CSN 2024 Data Forecast Study: Tobacco; 6 2024 CSN – Industry Report – Deep Dive Tobacco; 7 CSN, 2024 Data Forecast Study: Tobacco; 8 Circana, The 2024 Tobacco Landscape
KEEPING THE SKUS THE SAME
Most retailers are aiming to keep their current cigarette offer in terms of SKUs and space for display. Large operators are leaning more towards reduction when compared to small operators.
Expectations for Cigarette product SKUs in 2025
Expectations for Cigarette linear square footage in 2025
AVERAGE SALES PER STORE
INDUSTRY TOTAL (IN MILS)
Premium/super-premium Mid-level Economy/value TOTAL
$327,279 $55,497 $27,209 $409,985
$49,401 $8,377 $4,107 $61,885
-7.1% -7.6% 19.7% -5.7%
-5.6% -6.2% 21.5% -4.3%
% change
Projected average $ sales per store
Projected average unit volume per store
Key Trends Set to Shape Tobacco in 2025
Retailers Say Consumers To Remain Loyal To Cigarettes, but Seek Lower-Cost Options
6
YTD CIG PRICE TIER PERFORMANCE
Independent C-Stores Cigarette Price Tier $ Share of Market | YTD'23-25
Cig Tier 1
Downtrading to price Tier 4 fueled mainly by Tier 2 brands.
Source: Circana, Total US MULO+ Conv 13 Weeks Ending June 29, 2025
CATEGORY ANALYSIS: CIGARETTES
SALES PER STORE
$310,083 $50,644 $29,442 $390,169
-5.30% -8.70% 8.20% -4.80%
-5.00% -8.50% 6.50% -4.60%
$46,931 $7,665 $4,456 $59,052
Consumers CONTINUE TO OPT FOR LOWER-PRICED PRODUCTS IN TOBACCO AND BEER CATEGORIES
Overall
Inflation
Source: Circana, US convenience POS, 13 Weeks Ending June 29,2025
-4%
CUSTOMERS CONTINUE TO OPT FOR LOWER-PRICED PRODUCTS IN TOBACCO AND BEER CATEGORIES
Source: Circana, US Convenience POS, 13 Weeks Ending June 29, 2025
CIGARETTES
Sources: 1 To Follow
Cigarettes continue to play a vital role in the convenience retail landscape, anchoring both sales and shopper traffic. Despite ongoing category evolution, cigarettes remain the largest in-store segment, accounting for roughly one-quarter of total sales and delivering consistent profit margins. Retailers report that adult smokers remain among the most loyal convenience shoppers, visiting frequently and driving larger basket sizes.
10.00% 8.00% 6.00% 4.00% 2.00% 0.00% -2.00% -4.00%
Q1 2023
Q2 2023
Q3 2023
Q4 2023
Q1 2024
Q2 2024
Q3 2024
Q4 2024
Q1 2025
Q2 2025
Price What price the retailer sets
Assortment What the retailer makes available
Mix What the customer purchases
The category’s resilience lies in its adaptability. Retailers are fine-tuning their mix to balance leading premium and value brands while maintaining compliance and operational efficiency. Strategic merchandising, planogram discipline, and responsible promotions continue to maximize category performance.
Even as the broader nicotine space expands into alternative formats, cigarettes remain a cornerstone of convenience retail. Their continued strength provides stability, shopper engagement, and dependable revenue—fueling growth across the total store.
Assortment
Mix
OTHER TOBACCO
PACKAGED BEV (NA)
BEER
CANDY
SALTY SNACKS
HEALTHY & BEAUTY
-2%
2%
6%
Chain C-Stores Cigarette Price Tier $ Share of Market | YTD'23-25
Cig Tier 2
Cig Tier 3
Cig Tier 4
9.15
9.48
9.50
60.24
58.59
56.64
22.59
22.84
22.71
5.87
6.97
8.71
7.21
7.26
7.44
61.59
60.12
58.91
24.93
26.14
27.01
3.88
4.23
4.88
6.50%
8.20%
Beer
2024 CATEGORY CAPTAIN
NICOTINE POUCHES
The convenience channel has a new star—and it’s not cigarettes. Nicotine pouches are rewriting the rules of the tobacco and nicotine space, offering adult consumers a better smoke-free alternative that fits today’s lifestyles. No smoke. No spit. Just satisfaction in a modern format that many see as a smarter choice.
Nicotine Pouches are the only major nicotine category currently growing
Source: NielsenIQ Retail Measurement – US PMI - Tobacco and Tobacco Alternatives – 8 Facts of TOBACCO AND TOBACCO ALTERNATIVES in Total US Conv during L52W period ending 08/30/25, L26W period ending 08/30/25, L13W period ending 08/30/25
Nicotine Pouches are the fastest growing nicotine category at Convenience in DOLLARS for:
52
WEEKS
+46.7%
+42.5%
+44.4%
LAST
26
13
Nicotine Pouches are the fastest growing nicotine category at Convenience in VOLUME for:
+38.2%
+37.2%
+38.9%
CAGR 52 wks ending 8/23/25 in Convenience Volume
Source: NielsenIQ Retail Measurement– US PMI - Tobacco and Tobacco Alternatives – 8 Facts of TOBACCO AND TOBACCO ALTERNATIVES in Total US Conv during L52W period ending 08/30/25, L26W period ending 08/30/25, L13W period ending 08/30/25
-8.0%
-5.7%
-4.9%
+48.2%
-4.2%
MOIST SNUFF
MASS MARKET CIGARS
POD BASED VAPES
Nicotine Pouches have made up for losses in Cigarettes in the Convenience channel in $s in recent time periods
-$(1,300,907,909)
+$1,367,576,430
-$(497,539,167)
+$695,056,344
-$(280,881,396)
+$375,539,186
Tobacco/Nicotine is the primary driver at gas and convenience
Source: Reach 3 Quantitative Research, June 2025
Importance of Nicotine Pouch trip has gained ground, and is as important of a driver as cigarettes and vape
Nicotine Pouch buyers are almost 3 times as likely to switch retailers than cigarette buyers if out of stock
Nicotine Pouches are perceived to be less risky than other tobacco/ nicotine segments
3X
According to NIQ data for the 52 weeks ending August 30, 2025, nicotine pouches surged ahead with +46.7% dollar growth and +38.2% volume growth,1 leaving every other major nicotine category in the dust. While cigarettes, moist snuff, cigars, and pod-based vapes all posted declines, pouches delivered a staggering 48.2% CAGR in volume1 —proof that momentum is on their side.
Here’s the kicker: nicotine pouches didn’t just grow—they helped offset cigarette losses. Over the past year, cigarette sales dropped by $1.3 billion, while pouches climbed by $1.37 billion.1 That’s a consumer behavior shift happening in real time—and one that is more profitable for retailers.
Research from Reach 3 (June 2025) shows pouches are now as powerful a trip driver as cigarettes and vapes.2 And when their favorite pouch isn’t on the shelf? Shoppers are nearly three times more likely to switch retailers.2 For convenience operators, that’s a wake-up call: inventory matters.
Nicotine pouches aren’t just a trend—they’re a transformation. For retailers, they represent a golden opportunity to capture growth, meet evolving preferences, and lead in a changing nicotine landscape. The question isn’t if you should lean in—it’s how fast you can.
Sources: 1 NielsenIQ Retail Measurement – US PMI - Tobacco and Tobacco Alternatives – 8 Facts of TOBACCO AND TOBACCO ALTERNATIVES in Total US Conv during L52W period ending 08/30/25, L26W period ending 08/30/25, L13W period ending 08/30/25; 2 Reach 3 Quantitative Research, June 2025
ROLLER GRILL
Roller Grill Overview The roller grill remains a cornerstone of the convenience store foodservice program, delivering high-margin, low-labor meal options that meet customer demand for hot, handheld foods. Its availability also carries real weight with customers, with 71% of customers saying that having Roller Grill and its products available is Extremely Important or Very Important in their c-store experience¹. That level of importance reinforces why the Roller Grill continues to be one of the most relied-upon foodservice formats in the channel.
Consumers are increasingly turning to C-Stores as cost-effective alternatives to traditional foodservice
Source: Technomic C-Store Multi Study 2025
68% agree
Roller Grill is the fastest growing food format in C-store
The roller grill is critical to the C-store food experience
Source: Johnsonville Proprietary Flavor Sort Study, Nov 2023
These are impulsive occasions requiring in-store influence
Source: Technomic Consumer, Q4 2024
Quality, clean, and affordable are the biggest motivators when choosing to eat food at C-stores
Source: Datassential 2025 C-Store Segment Guide
Performance and Appeal Customers value the Roller Grill because it gives them control, choice, and confidence. They can pick the sausage or hot dog they like best (68%), see the product as it cooks (65%), and customize it with the toppings they prefer (61%)¹. For operators, this creates a high-appeal platform that satisfies demand with minimal labor, simple execution, and strong product consistency throughout the day. The appeal lies in its simplicity, easy prep, minimal waste, and the ability to maintain food quality over extended holding times.
Evolving Consumer Trends Today’s customers expect variety and bold flavor experiences. Beyond convenience, the Roller Grill delivers on experience, with customers noting that items taste better than wrapped alternatives (58%) and that the aroma and visual quality drive appetite appeal (54%)¹. As expectations for bold flavors and customizable options continue to grow across foodservice, the Roller Grill remains a flexible, flavorful, and daypart-spanning format that keeps customers coming back.
Sources: 1. Johnsonville Proprietary Flavor Sort Study, November 2023.
65% agree
"C-stores are just as capable as restaurants in offering fresh, quality food"*
"I'm seeking out deals/promotions on c-store prepared foods more often than a year ago due to rising prices"
Total Food Roller Grill Hot case/warmer Made-to-order Cold Case Bakery Case
5.7% 7.5% 6.2% 5.4% 3.9% 3.5%
FOOD FORMAT
Compound Annual Growth Rate (2019-2024)
~$2B in total sales in 2024
Consumer Perceptions of C-Stores Changing
Importance of Roller Grill Availability
What is it about Roller Grill products and the Roller Grill experience that makes it an important part of c-store foodservice?
71%
of consumers said the availability of Roller Grill and their Products are Extremely Important or Very Important
I can pick the sausage and hot dogs that I like best
I like that I can see the sausage and hot dogs
I can customize and add toppings to sausage and hot dogs
Roller Grill sausage/hot dogs are better than wrapped ones in a warmer
I can smell the aroma of sausage and hot dogs
Roller grilling is the best way to heat sausages/hot dogs
I can't get the Roller Grill experience at home
I just have to buy hot food from the Roller Grill
65%
61%
58%
54%
Meal Occasions
Most Decisions Are Made In-Store
An impulse/ unplanned visit 62%
A routine/ everyday occasion 30%
A special occasion 4%
Other 3%
I will decide once inside 84%
I already know what I want 16%
Food quality and cleanliness are the greatest opportunities for c-stores to improve, as consumers continue to see these areas as their weakest links.
OVERALL IMPORTANCE
C-STORE RATING
FOOD QUALITY
CLEANLINESS
AFFORDABILITY
FRIENDLY SERVICE
CONVENIENCE
89%
87%
79%
48%
51%
Declining
Staying the Same
Improving
Food Quality
Friendly Service
Convenience
Cleanliness
Affordability
70%
74%
59%
27%
23%
Roller Grill Overview The roller grill is a cornerstone of the convenience store foodservice program, delivering high-margin, low-labor meal options that appeal to customers seeking hot, handheld foods. Found in over 80% of U.S. convenience stores, roller grills operate all day, offering flexibility for breakfast through late-night occasions.
Performance and Appeal According to industry data, the roller grill category continues to perform strongly, with many operators citing it as a top traffic driver and one of the most profitable foodservice platforms per square foot. The appeal lies in its simplicity, easy prep, minimal waste, and the ability to maintain food quality over extended holding times.
Evolving Consumer Trends Today’s consumers expect variety and bold flavor experiences. Operators are expanding beyond traditional hot dogs to include regional flavors, sausages, and specialty proteins. Customization, portability, and service speed remain key drivers, making the roller grill a reliable and evolving fixture in the modern convenience foodservice landscape.
GUM & MINTS
The gum category continues to drive momentum in the convenience channel, reinforcing its role as a high-value, high-velocity segment. The category has grown an impressive CAGR of 7.5% over the last three years in the convenience channel, outpacing total market by 1%.1 This growth is not only delivering volume, it’s also attracting a younger consumer to the channel. Household penetration in among shoppers under 35 has grown +2.1 percentage points in the convenience channel in the last three years,2 signaling gum’s role in pulling younger consumers into the convenience channel and driving incremental trips.
Gum Category IS GROWING IN CONVENIENCE
Source: NielsenIQ Retail Measurement | US Mars – Confectionery, 7 Facts of CONFECTIONERY, GUM in Total US xAOC + Conv, Total US Conv during Latest 52 Weeks ending 11/1/25
RECRUITING UNDER 35 HOUSEHOLDS IN CONVENIENCE
Source: NielsenIQ Retail Measurement | US Mars – Confectionery, 7 Facts of CONFECTIONERY, GUM in Total US xAOC + Conv, Total US Conv during Latest 52 Weeks, Last 4 Years
GUM VELOCITIES CLIMB IN THE CONVENIENCE CHANNEL
Source: NielsenIQ Retail Measurement | US Mars – Confectionery, 4 Facts of CONFECTIONERY, GUM in Total US Conv, Total US Conv Independents during Latest 52 Weeks
Sources:
7.5% CAGR
+2.1%
4.8%
5.9%
+20%
+4%
Sources: 1. NielsenIQ Retail Measurement | US Mars - Confectionery, 7 Facts of CONFECTIONERY, GUM in Total US xAOC + Conv, Total US Conv during Latest 52 Weeks ending 11/1/25; 2. NielsenIQ Retail Measurement | US Mars - Confectionery, 7 Facts of CONFECTIONERY, GUM in Total US xAOC + Conv, Total US Conv during Latest 52 Weeks, Last 4 Years 3. NielsenIQ Retail Measurement | US Mars - Confectionery, 4 Facts of CONFECTIONERY, GUM in Total US Conv, Total US Conv Independents during Latest 52 Weeks
Gum is an affordable, on-the-go solution that fits these consumers’ needs and lifestyle occasions, making it a critical basket builder. Gum velocities are also gaining momentum, indicating strong demand and efficient sell-through at shelf.3 Gum is not just growing, it’s accelerating and convenience is central to the acceleration.
PIZZA
Convenience stores are redefining their role as foodservice destinations, placing fresh, prepared meals at the heart of the in-store experience. Leading this shift is the rapid rise of pizza, which combines comfort, convenience, and quality for today’s on-the-go consumer.
CONVENIENCE STORES ARE INCREASINGLY PARTNERING WITH BRANDED CONCEPTS FOR FOOD OFFERINGS
Source: Conveience Store News 2025 Foodservice Study
MORE SHOPPERS PURCHASED PREPARED FOOD FROM A CONVENIENCE STORE IN THE PAST MONTH
Source: Convenience Store News 2025 Realities of the Aisle Study
AMONG SHOPPERS WHO PURCHASED PREPARED FOOD IN THE PAST MONTH, PIZZA IS THE MOST COMMON ITEM
STRONG PREFERENCE FOR MADE-TO-ORDER OR FRESHLY MADE ITEMS
Percent answering "yes" to participating with branded concepts for food offerings
Pizza and coffee are the most popular concepts to partner with. Recent growth is fueled by small operators.
Pizza is popular across generations, with 41% of Gen Z and 41% of Gen X shoppers purchasing it in the last month.
Retailers are increasingly partnering with branded food concepts, with pizza emerging as the most popular collaboration. Shopper demand for convenience store prepared foods has never been higher, particularly among younger consumers who see these stores as reliable meal solutions for their fast-paced lifestyles.
Pizza continues to stand out in the prepared food category, resonating across generations and showing strong growth in recent years. The growing appeal of branded fast-food options underscores the value of partnerships, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. As expectations for quality, variety, and freshness take center stage, made-to-order pizza is expected to outperform grab-and-go meal and snack alternatives, solidifying its role at the center of convenience store foodservice.
Incidence is highest among Gen Z (97%), Millenials (87%), and Gen X (84%), compared to Boomers (68%)
Made-to-Order/ Freshly Made
GRAB-AND-GO/ REFRIGERATED
52%
36%
69%
